EVERY May, the ACT Law Society co-ordinates Law Week in Canberra – five days of events to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society.

Law Week has been held annually in the ACT since 1984, showcasing a range of events for the public and the legal community, including a formal dinner, a comedy speaking competition, a quiz night and a range of forums and seminars.

On May 8, an evening launch event will feature the ACT Golden Gavel, a comedy speaking competition for early career lawyers hosted by the society’s New Lawyers Committee.

Law Week events are open to the public, and many have free registration. Optional contributions to support the Law Week charity are welcome though, with all proceeds this year going to Rainbow Paws, a local charity providing assistance to pets and their people through hard times, including free or subsidised food, bedding, supplies, and medical treatment for companion animals.

Farzana Choudhury, president of the ACT Law Society said: “As a community lawyer, I have seen first-hand the positive impact that companion animals have for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and people with disability. 

“I have a whippet named Prudence, and I love the companionship she gives me and the connections I have formed with fellow dog appreciators. Everyone should have that same opportunity. A big thank you to Rainbow Paws for your amazing work.”

The people who attend Law Week are not just lawyers – anyone with an interest in legal issues is welcome to attend the events. 

This year, Dr Helen Watchirs OAM will deliver the free annual Blackburn Lecture on human rights in the ACT, the Women Lawyers Association of the ACT is hosting dinner with international human rights lawyers Diana Sayed, and the ACT Bar Association will host a breakfast with special guest Justice Dina Yehia of the NSW Supreme Court.

There’s also a Law Week Exhibition hosted by the ACT Courts and Tribunal where people can learn about the judicial system in the ACT, including a “You be the Judge” event focusing on sentencing.

A full schedule of Law Week events is at actlawsociety.asn.au/about/law-week

A firm of ‘real people, wonderful people’

RMB Lawyers is a full service personal and commercial law firm that has been in business since 1885, says associate Paul Bartholomew.

“RMB’s large team provides services across property law, business and commercial law, family law, personal injury law, employment law, wills and estates, dispute resolution and criminal law,” he says.

“I practice in commercial law and wills and estates, with a focus on estate litigation.

“I have been working in this area for approximately four years. I am particularly passionate about wills and estates because I believe people work hard their entire lives to accumulate wealth and provide for their family.”

Paul says RMB believes in giving back to the community and supports countless charities, sporting clubs and community organisations with sponsorship, donations and free legal services to those most in need.

“It’s a firm of real people, wonderful people, all working hard together as one team to achieve the best possible results for clients,” he says.

“RMB stands out for several reasons, including our scale. RMB is one of the largest regionally based law firms in Australia. Our ‘one office’ approach, means our lawyers see clients no matter where the lawyer/client is based geographically, we will use technology to seamlessly connect you to the best person to speak to about your matter, and our focus on delivering value to clients.

RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6284 2855, rmblawyers.com.au

Team culture sets this firm apart

PRINCIPAL and solicitor Des Moore says that the team culture at KJB Law is an aspect that sets it apart as a local law firm who has a long and respected presence in the Canberra community for 46 years.

“We are a down-to-earth firm. We always communicate in plain English to demystify the law to our clients and treat them as equals,” he says.

Fellow principals, Andrew Freer and Jo Twible, say their longevity provides consistency and certainty to clients as they navigate many different fields of the law at different times in their lives and in their businesses.

Andrew says it’s very satisfying to have built long-standing relationships with his clients over the 23 years he has been with KJB Law. 

“We have a personal approach and work collaboratively with clients and colleagues,” he says. 

“Our clients feel comfortable with us and have confidence in our ability to deal with issues that have arisen.”

Jo Twible started at KJB Law 26 years ago and remembers that at the time there were only 14 staff, and now the team is more than 30. 

“We tend to hold on to our clients so we are there should they ever need assistance and help in rebuilding their lives,” she says.

Spanning many fields of law such as family law, commercial law, conveyancing and wills and estate planning, Jo says that apart from criminal and administrative law, the team at KJB Law are experienced and ready to help their clients navigate legal issues. 

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Establishing a connection from the first meeting

“IT can be quite overwhelming for those who have never had to talk to a lawyer about what happens when you separate,” says Lucy Stramandinoli, co-owner of Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law.

“For parents, their top priority is the kids. Life gets turned upside down and what used to be normal is no longer normal.

“Couples without kids who are going their separate ways still have to grapple with that parting. Often they’ve built a life together and it can be hard to picture the rest of their lives without their partner.”

With a team that has decades of combined experience, Lucy says Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law strives to be a place where people can come to find help.

“Most people want to keep things amicable and stay out of court. We encourage that very much,” she says.

“Especially when the parties have children, as co-parenting and communication about the children is critical as everyone in the family moves on from the relationship.”

Lucy believes it’s important to establish a connection with clients from the first time they meet.

“That’s why we ask our clients at the first meeting what the most important thing is for them as a goal in the process before they leave the appointment,” she says.

“We keep this in mind throughout the case and we talk about many different ways this can be achieved.”

Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, suite 2, ground floor, 11 London Circuit, Civic. Visit nsfamilylaw.com.au or call 6152 0493.

Great staff with skills in all areas

BAKER Deane & Nutt has been operating since 1861, and has offices in Queanbeyan and Canberra, says managing partner Tanya Nadin.

“We practice in all areas of law including conveyancing, commercial leasing, agreements and contracts, personal injury, criminal law, family law, wills and contested estates,” she says.

“One of the great things about our firm is that we operate in both NSW and the ACT. Our staff are familiar with how things operate in these jurisdictions, which is vital in our local area, where people often live in one jurisdiction and work in another.”

Tanya says Law Week provides Baker Deane & Nutt with a chance to reach out and let people know about their great team of solicitors and support staff, and the skills and experience they are able to offer.

Tanya says Baker Deane & Nutt prides itself on being accessible, responsive and innovative, and has invested in technology, systems and staff training to ensure our clients receive fast and effective legal services.

“My specialty is in family law, and I have over 19 years of legal experience,” she says.

“I love being able to help clients resolve their legal disputes as quickly and as amicably as possible without wasting clients’ time and money by commencing court proceedings.

Baker Deane & Nutt. Visit bdn.com.au. Level 1, 1 Farrell Place, Canberra, call 6230 1999. 260 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, call 6299 3999.

A team of compassion, empathy and efficiency

FINANCE director Rhonda Hubert says the staff at Capon and Hubert take pride in knowing that respect and courtesy always take priority.

Together, lawyers Ken Hubert, Ashilpa Khanna and Daryn Griffiths cover family law, wills and estates and conveyancing.

“Ken is experienced in all areas of family law, including adoptions,” says Rhonda.

“He is an accredited mediator and has been practicing in Canberra for 40 years.

“He helps people with their legal issues with confidence and compassion.”

Ashilpa joined the team five years ago, says Rhonda, and specialises in wills and estates.

“At the time of your loss, we know you need people who understand the challenges of this time and Ashilpa is known for her empathy,” says Rhonda.

“Daryn joined us four years ago and leads our conveyancing team, handling both residential and commercial.”

He can also help with advice regarding contracts for retirement village accommodation, says Rhonda: “He is professional, efficient and a tireless worker for his clients.

“The Capon and Hubert team has been operating for many years in Canberra and enjoys working together.

“Many of our clients have been coming to us for a long time and much of our client base comes through referral, which speaks to Capon and Hubert’s success and the confidence their clients and other professionals have in the team.”

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au